Manchester United under-21s cruised into the semi-finals of the Manchester Senior Cup on Mondaywith a comfortable 4-0 win over Oldham Athletic.

The Red Devilsfound themselves two goals to the good at the AON Training Complex inside 17 minutes thanks to quickfire goals from Andreas Pereira and Adnan Januzaj, before the Belgianadded a third just before the break.

Good chances fell to both teams in the second period, but it was United and Regan Poole who got the fourth goal of the game, with him scoring 13 minutes from time to set up a last-four tie with Bury.

Perfect start

United started the brightest in the behind-closed-door fixture and it was Donald Love who nearly opened the scoring just 12 minutes into the contest.

Love had been pushed into the midfield from his usual defensive position and the opportunity was laid on a plate for him after good play from Joe Rothwell and Januzaj, but David Cornell did brilliantly to pull off a one-handed save.

The 'keeper didn't cover himself in glory two minutes later though as United took the lead. His attempted clearance fell straight into the path of Pereira and the Brazilian made no mistake as he buried his effort brilliantly with a first-time shot from distance.

The second goal followed moments later and it was clear reminder from young Januzaj of his capabilities.

The Belgian had been left out of the squad by first-team manager Louis van Gaal for the trip to West Bromwich Albion but showed his quality on Tuesday night as he showed great skill with a drag back before lashing a ferocious shot beyond Cornell.

Clinging on

Oldhamwere already looking dejected but would have been further behind if not for the heroics of Cornell. He was called upon to make three saves in quick succession, with the highlight being the save to deny Demi Mitchell after he initially parried a free-kick from Januzaj.

Pereira missed a golden opportunity after great work once again from Rothwell and Januzaj, with the Brazilian but only able to fire over the crossbar.

Cornell was then at it again but in unusual circumstances as he chose to beat away another powerful attempt from Januzaj with his chest.

However, he could do nothing to prevent United getting their third and effectively finishing the tie on the stroke of half-time.

Januzaj had proven to be a menace in the opening 45 minutes and was at it again as he was onto the end Love's pas,s which carved open the Oldham defence, allowing the former Borussia Dortmundloanee in and he made no mistake as he slotted home with ease.

Come back fighting

Oldham came out fighting in the second period, despite the scoreline. After Poole's near miss from Januzaj's corner at the beginning of the half, they took the game to the hosts.

Rhys Murphy got his eye in as he looked to trouble Joel Pereira, but it blazed just over the crossbar.

The 'keeper then almost gifted the visitors a way back into the match as he gave the ball straight to Joe Mills, but managed to redeem himself almost immediately as he made a smart block from the subsequent effort.

Done and dusted

After this slight period of pressure, United retained the driving seat as they looked to see the game off, with Pereira keeping Cornell on his toes with a low effort.

The fourth and final goal came 13 minutes from time as Paddy McNair's challenge from Januzaj's corner fell perfectly for Poole, and his accurate finish was judged to have crossed the line by the assistant referee to give him his first goal for the club.

Oldham had one more crack of the whip through Danny Byrnes,but his shot was comfortable for Pereira - just as the match as a whole was for the Red Devils as they sealed an easy passage into the semi-finals.